33 percent cases recorded in 13 days of September, rest of 67 per cent cases recorded between March-August; recovery rate is 71 per cent so far. During the same period, West Siang recorded 126 percent jump compared to March-August data.

Kenter Joya

The state reported a total of 2014 positive cases between September 1 and 13, 2020  out of which the capital region alone accounted for 867 cases—Itanagar Capital Complex 655 and Papumpare at 212. Proportionate to its population, West Siang district has the worst record with 177 positive cases during the same period against 140 cases from March till August.
First two weeks of September alone are responsible for more than 33% cases detected so far in the frontier state since March 2020 whereas March to August accounted for just 67% out of 6121 positive cases. Alarming rise in COVID19 positive cases coupled with 10 fatal cases related to the pandemic are indicative of laxity on individual hand and respiratory hygiene and government’s attitude towards implementing standard operating procedures.
There are no more curfews, initial enthusiasm of “no mask-no fuel” has evaporated and likewise; however, amidst the pandemic, there were two viral videos on social media which generated huge negative traction on the attitude of the district administration’s top-honchos in combating COVID19. In those viral videos, officers and elected leaders were seen partying without masks and social distancing and are learnt to have mobilised mass gatherings. Unfortunately, no actions were initiated against the erring officials under Indian Penal Code (IPC) or Disaster Management Act 2005, as widely circulated by the Union Home Secretary in March 2020.
Proactive approaches in containing spread of the novel virus, adopted by the state government machinery have dissipated, with fatigue setting-in. The government, it appears, has shifted focus on reactive measures of handling only positive cases. Now all pressure is on the frontline health workers who are actually waging a lone battle and are likely the worst sufferers

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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